Which of the following best describes electrophoresis in the context of biochemistry?

• A. A technique for determining the three-dimensional structure of proteins using X-ray diffraction.
• B. A process that synthesizes proteins from amino acids using ribosomes.
• C. A method for measuring the pH of a solution using a glass electrode.
• D. A technique used to separate molecules based on their size and charge by applying an electric field.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or other charged particles, based on their size and charge.
2. The process involves applying an electric field to a gel or liquid medium, which causes charged molecules to migrate towards the electrode of opposite charge.
3. The rate of migration depends on factors such as the molecule's size, shape, and charge, as well as the properties of the medium (e.g., gel density).
4. Common types of electrophoresis include agarose gel electrophoresis (used for DNA and RNA) and SDS-PAGE (used for proteins).
5. This technique is widely used in biochemistry for analyzing molecular composition, purity, and molecular weight, as well as for separating and identifying biomolecules.